Master of Education in Higher Education

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For all Graduate programs

The Master’s in Higher Education (M.Ed.) prepares students to be administrative leaders in colleges and universities, working with students and in a variety of roles supporting the advancement of higher education. The curriculum focuses on learning and development of college students, college access, equity and diversity, and organizational development. Students will gain a broad understanding of current trends, leadership challenges, and opportunities to advance social justice in higher education. The Master’s in Higher Education is a 36-credit program.

Faculty in the Higher Education program come from a wide variety of functional areas and institutional types, and bring a wealth of experience in supporting student success and advancing institutional missions.

Program Components

Core Courses (16 credits)

The core of our program emphasizes social justice and the multifaceted and critical role that postsecondary institutions play in a democratic, pluralistic, and complex society. Required courses for all students are as follows:

Diversity and Social Justice

Higher Education in American Society

Research Methods

Capstone

Areas of Concentration and Electives (12 credits)

Student Affairs

Student Development

Counseling and Advising

Financial Management in Higher Education

The College Student Experience

Student Affairs Theory & Practice

Leadership and Organizational Development

Financial Management of Higher Education

Leadership Theory and Practice

Fundraising and Grant Writing

University-Community Relations

Fellowship and/or Electives (8 credits)

Students in the Fellowship program work 25 hours a week (average) in their assigned fellowship setting. Fellows also meet regularly in a seminar with an experienced practitioner to reflect upon the experience and document skill and competency development. Fellows will receive 4 credits for their Fellowship and seminar (2 credits each semester), and will select one additional elective to complete their program.

Students who are not participating in the Fellowship program will select two (2) additional electives to complete their program.

Traditional students (part-time or full-time) who do not currently work in a higher education setting are required to participate in an Assistantship for 10-12 hours per week and accompanying seminar and will receive 2 credits per semester for this work. The Assistantship provides students with hands-on experience that directly relates to their academics and may serve as the platform for the capstone.

Capstone

All students will complete a capstone experience – an original research project designed in partnership with a relevant campus office or service. Your capstone can be practice- or policy-focused. Each student will choose an area of interest related to their career goals, and focused on creating change in Higher Education. The capstone course is the culminating experience of the master’s program.